Lessons in Teamwork: What We Can Learn From Geese

When geese fly in formation, we can't help but look up and marvel at their beauty. But their behavior also represents successful teamwork patterns that have evolved over the ages.

Your Task. In small groups discuss what teamwork lesson might be learned from each of the following:

a. The V formation helps each follower goose derive energy from the flowfield generated by the goose immediately ahead. Every bird experiences lower drag and needs less energy to maintain its speed.

b. Whenever a goose gets out of formation, it tries to get back into formation.

c. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the head.

d. The geese flying in the rear of the formation honk, apparently to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

e. When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies. Then they catch up or join another flock.